Securing Mobile Devices

Mobile devices such as laptops, tablets, and smart phones provide easy access to computing resources. However, the small size and portability of these devices mean they can be easily lost or stolen. It is important to take steps to ensure the safety of these devices and any confidential information they may be used to access, including university records, financial accounts, and any other sensitive data.

Securing Your Device

Keep mobile devices with you or stored in a secured location when not in use. Do not leave mobile devices unattended in public locations.

Mobile devices should be password protected with auto-lock enabled. Use as strong a password as possible.

Set up tracking and data wipe features on your device. For Apple products, look in settings under "iCloud" for “Find my Mac,” “Find my iPad,” or “Find my iPhone.” On Windows or Android devices, consider installing a free or commercial application such as LoJack (Windows), GadgetTrak (Windows), AntiDroid Theft (Android), or Prey (Windows, Android).

Ensure your device has current anti-virus software and all operating system and application updates installed. Firewalls should be enabled if possible.

Physical locks and cables are available for laptops and may be available for some tablets.

Wipe or securely delete data from the mobile device before disposing of it.

If Your Device is Lost or Stolen

Immediately call Campus Security at 253.879.3311 to report what was lost or stolen, from where, and whether it was a personal or university device. If you are away from campus, contact the local police department.

Change all passwords on any account accessed from the device. There may be account or password information stored in cookies or other files that are not obvious but may still be accessible.

Change any passwords that may be stored in a file on the device. You should do this even if the device was not used to access those particular accounts directly.

If the device contained or was used to access confidential university data, contact Technology Services as soon as possible at 253.879.8585 or servicedesk@pugetsound.edu.